Method and system for identifying conflicts in a floor joist and wall panel vertical interface

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a method for accessing a model of a building; selecting a set of floor joists, wherein the floor joists are comprised of a first set of members; isolating plurality of wall panels, wherein the wall panels are comprised of a second set of members; selecting a group of interfacing members between a floor joist and a wall panel; detecting an interface type between the floor joist and the wall panel, wherein each interface has a predetermined set of requirements; calculating a set of actual values associated with the interface type; comparing the set of actual values with a set of required values and determining the delta of the actual values and the required values; and identifying each interface where the delta is outside a predetermined range.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/677,639 filedNov. 7, 2019 currently pending. The disclosure of the prior applicationsis considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) thedisclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to building construction and inparticular, to the method, computer program, or computer system forproviding the quality control of the material for the buildingconstruction and determining conflicts within the building construction.

A typical building or structure is comprised of having differentcomponents like foundation, walls, joists, trusses, sheathings, and manyother components. When these components are connect with each other in aproper form, the structure or building is constructed correctly. Eachindividual component is used to form a larger assembly or panel. If eachcomponent is not the correct specification or dimensions then it leadsto conflicts in the assembly process. This results in lost of time,wasted material, and an increase in cost. For example, when constructingfloor joists, conflicts between the members of the panel can occur inoverlapping of the members, wrong placing of dimples locations,insufficient overlap length, and overlap width. Checking each individualmember and panel is very time consuming and critical task for theengineer.

During the building construction, the connections and placing of eachfloor joists is important for a hassle and conflict free construction.The floor joists relative to the other floor joists assists in creatinga building that is properly constructed. The assembly of the roof isimportant to avoid any issues with the building down the road and tokeep the occupants safe from the elements. Traditional method ofreviewing the constructability checks for each individual wall memberpanel manually in the detailing software is time consuming and chancesof error are more.

Therefore, it is beneficial to assist each of the floor joist to wallpanel vertical interfaces at the earliest stage to determine whereissues exist and preemptively correcting these issues beforeconstruction begins.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment the present invention is a method for accessing amodel of a building; selecting a set of floor joists, wherein the floorjoists are comprised of a first set of members; isolating plurality ofwall panels, wherein the wall panels are comprised of a second set ofmembers; selecting a group of interfacing members between a floor joistand a wall panel; detecting an interface type between the floor joistand the wall panel, wherein each interface has a predetermined set ofrequirements; calculating a set of actual values associated with theinterface type; comparing the set of actual values with a set ofrequired values and determining the delta of the actual values and therequired values; and identifying each interface where the delta isoutside a predetermined range.

In a second embodiment the present invention is a program product foraccessing a model of a building; selecting a set of floor joists,wherein the floor joists are comprised of a first set of members;isolating plurality of wall panels, wherein the wall panels arecomprised of a second set of members; selecting a group of interfacingmembers between a floor joist and a wall panel; detecting an interfacetype between the floor joist and the wall panel, wherein each interfacehas a predetermined set of requirements; calculating a set of actualvalues associated with the interface type; comparing the set of actualvalues with a set of required values and determining the delta of theactual values and the required values; and identifying each interfacewhere the delta is outside a predetermined range.

In a third embodiment the present invention is a system for accessing amodel of a building; selecting a set of floor joists, wherein the floorjoists are comprised of a first set of members; isolating plurality ofwall panels, wherein the wall panels are comprised of a second set ofmembers; selecting a group of interfacing members between a floor joistand a wall panel; detecting an interface type between the floor joistand the wall panel, wherein each interface has a predetermined set ofrequirements; calculating a set of actual values associated with theinterface type; comparing the set of actual values with a set ofrequired values and determining the delta of the actual values and therequired values; and identifying each interface where the delta isoutside a predetermined range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram depicting a computing environment, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram depicting the internal and externalcomponents of the server and computing device of FIG. 1, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present.

FIG. 3 depicts a cloud computing environment, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of a method fordetermining the conflict checks for the floor joist and the wall panelinterfaces within the computing environment of FIG. 1, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an architectural illustration of a front view of astructure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an architectural illustration of a profile view of astructure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depict an architectural illustration of a finished floor layoutfor a structure, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 depicts a model of a frame of a structure, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a model of a floor joist and wall assembly, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view illustration of a floor joist and a wallpanel interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view illustration of a floor joist and awall panel interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 depicts a front view illustration of a floor joist and wallpanel interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 depicts a top view of a floor joist and wall panel interface, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a top view of a floor joist and wall panel interface, inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to the process of analyzing abuilding to identify conflicts or design errors, and correcting theerrors at the design stage so the construction can be completed withminimal or no issues. Through the location of the floor joists and theinteraction between the floor joist interfaces to determine if they havethe correct properties and if they are outside of the tolerance values,correcting the errors with the floor joists.

The present invention uses the unique feature of analyzing the floorjoists and the interaction between the floor joists and the wall panelsin the vertical interface and determining if there are anyinter-assembly conflicts. This includes the vertical interfaces betweenthe floor joists and the wall panels. In instances where conflicts areidentified the floor joist member(s) and/or assemblies are added to asick list, which identifies the type of conflict. The unique featuresaves the time of review the building manually and eliminate the chanceof error with the construction process.

In the typical construction process a model of the building (e.g.structure, home, office building, hospital, garage, barn, apartmentbuilding, etc.) is created. This model is comprised of all the memberswhich form the frame of the building. The members form assemblies (e.g.panels, joists, trusses, etc.) which them form the walls, floors, androof. The next step is to generate the manufacturing files for the rollforming machine to produce these members to the design specifications.However, the generation of these manufacturing files is not advised orable to be completed until a verification of possible conflicts of thewall systems is completed.

Otherwise the potential for cold formed steel members to be manufacturedwithout the proper measurements, cutouts or designs elements. This willrequire the remanufacturing of the members, or manual modification ofthe parts need to be completed on the job site. Both of these take timeand additional resources to complete. The reviewing of the model fromconstructability aspect and identify the possible conflicts is a timeconsuming task before the floor joist members are manufactured. If theuser is able to quickly identify the conflicts in the model, the entireprocess of constructing the building can be shortened.

The reviewing of the 3D model from constructability aspect and identifythe possible conflicts in the walls is one of the major time consumingtask. If the user is able to quickly check and identify the possibleconflicts, they can increase the speed of manufacturing, and having aprogram that highlights these conflicts only further increases the speedat which the project can be completed.

The present invention provides for an advantage of allowing the reviewof the drawings or models by providing a unique process of identifyinginternal and external conflicts with the floor joist members. Theindividual members of the floor joist which are conflicting areidentified and marked for the reviewer to easily identify and correctthe conflicts. The conflicts can be identified during the process ofbuilding detailing by using the present inventions conflict check methodand system.

The term “conflict” is used for any incidence which results in themember or the interaction between members to be outside of apredetermined tolerance of acceptable values. This can be based onstate, federal or local building codes, manufacturing machinelimitations, or inconsistencies or inaccuracies with the model ordrawings. For example, if a member is not at the required position, notwithin the required specifications, not adhering to predetermined codes,or the like a conflict may be present. Required position means theGlobal position of the member in reference to the modeling software x,y, and z, axes. In another embodiment, the properties of the member maybe impossible to manufacture based on the cold formed steel constructiontolling operation limitations

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, fire joists, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowcharts may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in thefigures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry outcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host fire joists).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a computing environment 100 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 providesan illustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitationsregarding the environment in which different embodiments maybeimplemented.

In the depicted embodiment, computing environment 100 includes network102, computing device 104, and server 106. Computing environment 100 mayinclude additional servers, computers, or other devices not shown.

Network 102 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN)such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or any combination ofconnections and protocols that can support communications betweencomputing device 104 and server 106 in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention. Network 102 may include wired, wireless, or fiber opticconnections.

Computing device 104 may be a management server, a web server, or anyother electronic device or computing system capable of processingprogram instructions and receiving and sending data. In otherembodiments, computing device 104 may be a laptop computer, tabletcomputer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer,or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating withpatient computing device 104 via network 102. In other embodiments,computing device 104 may be a server computing system utilizing multiplecomputers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment.In one embodiment, computing device 104 represents a computing systemutilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool ofseamless resources. Computing device 104 may include components, asdepicted and described in further detail with respect to FIG. 1.

Server 106 may be a management server, a web server, or any otherelectronic device or computing system capable of processing programinstructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments server106 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, notebook computer,personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmableelectronic device capable of communicating via network 102. In oneembodiment, server 106 may be a server computing system utilizingmultiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computingenvironment. In one embodiment, server 106 represents a computing systemutilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool ofseamless resources. In the depicted embodiment conflict identificationprogram 108 and database 110 are located on server 106. Server 106 mayinclude components, as depicted and described in further detail withrespect to FIG. 1.

Conflict Identification program 108 has the unique feature of3-Directional constructability conflict check in which the floor joistsand wall panel interfaces are analyzed and assessed to determine if anyconflicts exist between the floor joists and wall panels. The floorjoists which conflict with the wall panels due to placement, position,overlapping, and the like are added to a list (“sick list”) whichidentifies all of the conflicting assemblies and where the conflictsare. The conflicts can be assemblies which are not properly installeddue to other material, components, or members which either interferewith one another or are not within the proper code requirements. Thesick list shows the condition under which the assemblies are conflictingin constructability conflict check, so personnel can easily make thenecessary modifications to correct the conflicts and produce a model ofthe building without any conflicts.

In the depicted embodiment, Conflict identification program 108 utilizesnetwork 102 to access the computing device 104 and to communicate withdatabase 110. In one embodiment, Conflict identification program 108resides on computing device 104. In other embodiments, Conflictidentification program 108 may be located on another server or computingdevice, provided Conflict identification program 108 has access todatabase 110.

Database 110 may be a repository that may be written to and/or read byConflict identification program 108. Information gathered from computingdevice 104 and the 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensionaldrawings and models as well as the requirements so that the materialsand members are identified as conflicting or non-conflicting. In oneembodiment, database 110 is a database management system (DBMS) used toallow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration ofa database(s). In the depicted embodiment, database 110 resides oncomputing device 104. In other embodiments, database 110 resides onanother server, or another computing device, provided that database 110is accessible to Conflict identification program 108.

FIG. 2, a schematic of an example of a cloud computing node is shown.Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitable cloudcomputing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention describedherein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable of beingimplemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forthhereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10 there is a computer system/server 12, whichis operational with numerous other general purpose or special purposecomputing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are notlimited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thinclients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmableconsumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframecomputer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments thatinclude any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context ofcomputer system executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be locatedin both local and remote computer system storage media including memorystorage devices.

FIG. 2, computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10 is shown inthe form of a general-purpose computing device. The components ofcomputer system/server 12 may include, but are not limited to, one ormore processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18that couples various system components including system memory 28 toprocessor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computersystem readable media. Such media may be any available media that isaccessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatileand non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42,may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one ormore application programs, other program modules, and program data orsome combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networkingenvironment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computersystem/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.)that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or moreother computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output(I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 cancommunicate with one or more networks such as a local area network(LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g.,the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 viabus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardwareand/or software components could be used in conjunction with computersystem/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode,device drivers, redundant processing units, and external disk drivearrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems,etc.

FIG. 3, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 is depicted. Asshown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or more cloudcomputing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used by cloudconsumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) orcellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C maycommunicate. Nodes 10 may communicate with one another. They may begrouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks,such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as describedhereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computingenvironment 50 to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software asservices for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resourceson a local computing device. It is understood that the types ofcomputing devices 54A-C shown in FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrativeonly and that computing nodes 10 and cloud computing environment 50 cancommunicate with any type of computerized device over any type ofnetwork and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a webbrowser).

Referring back to FIG. 2, the Program/utility 40 may include one or moreprogram modules 42 that generally carry out the functions and/ormethodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.Specifically, the program modules 42 may analyze a building model,locate the floor joists determine the interaction between the floorjoists and the wall panels, determine if a conflict exists, and identifythe member(s) involved in the conflict and provide a potential solutionto the conflict. Other functionalities of the program modules 42 aredescribed further herein such that the program modules 42 are notlimited to the functions described above. Moreover, it is noted thatsome of the modules 42 can be implemented within the infrastructureshown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 4 depicts flowchart 400 depicting a method according to the presentinvention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed,over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

In step 402, the conflict identification program 108 analyzes the modelto identify the floor joist members. Based on the received model orimage type, the conflict identification program 108 extracts the floorjoist members from the other members and systems. In some embodimentswhere the model has all the members individually generated, the conflictprogram 108 is able to easily extract the floor joist members. Eitherfrom identifying the members first or identifying the floor joistassembly and then identifying the members within the floor joist. Ininstances where the model does not have each individual member created,the conflict identification program 108 analyzes the model or images tofirst determine which surfaces are walls versus floors or roofs. Thismay be based on the identification of certain apertures (e.g. windows,doors) and other features which are common to walls to segregate thesefeatures of the model or images from the rest of the model or images.This includes both external walls and internal walls. The conflictidentification program 108 then identifies the apertures of the wallsand generates a floor joist assembly comprised of members to provide forthe required frame to create the model.

In step 404, the conflict identification program 108 identifies thefloor joist and wall panel members and analyzes the internal propertiesof the floor joist and wall panel members. Once the conflictidentification program 108 has identified the floor joists and wallpanels, the conflict identification program 108 is able to identify thefloor joist and wall panel members individually so that the conflictidentification program 108 is able to extract the necessary informationrelated to each floor joist and wall panel member. In some embodiments,the conflict identification program 108 identifies the position of thefloor joist and wall panel members relative to each other. For example,to make sure all horizontal members are substantially parallel and thatthe horizontal members are substantially perpendicular to the verticalmembers.

The conflict identification program 108 determines the actual values forthe floor joist and wall panel members properties. These properties arerelated to all features of the floor joist and wall panel member;length, height, width, thickness of material, orientation, position,cutouts, apertures, lips, flanges, Swedge, and the like. For example,the floor joist and wall panel members position relative to the x, y,and x axes. In some embodiments, the limitation of the shipping vehiclessets a maximum length of the floor joist and wall panel members. In someembodiments, the limitations of the manufacturing machines are used toset the required values. For example, the thickness of the material is alimitation on the floor joist and wall panel members.

In decision 406, the conflict identification program 108 determines ifthe floor joist and wall panel members have any internal conflicts (e.g.if the actual values of the member properties are within the range ofthe required values). The measured actual values are compared to therequired values. This comparison assists in confirming that the floorjoist and wall panel members are of the proper dimensions and have thefeatures in the proper locations so that when the floor joist and wallpanel is assembled the members line up, the features of the members arein the proper location, and the panel is assembled correctly. If theconflict identification program 108 determines that an actual value ofany properties of the floor joist and wall panel members are outside thepredetermined tolerance range of the property, the conflictidentification program 108 creates the sick list and adds the identifiedmember to the sick list.

In step 408, the conflict identification program 108 creates the sicklist of the floor joist and wall panel members which have issues. Thislist may be the identification of the members within the model ashighlighted or identified from the other members. In some embodiments,the sick list is a list showing the actual values, the required values,and the differences between these two values (delta) and highlight themember data to alert a user.

In step 410, the conflict identification program 108 modifies theconflicting floor joist and wall panel members. Through either anautomated process or the selection of a user, the conflictidentification program 108 is able to modify the conflicting floor joistand wall panel members to fall within the tolerance range set for eachproperty value which is conflicting. In some embodiments, this mayrequire performing additional modifications to the floor joist and wallpanel members if the modification results in other features of the floorjoist and wall panel members becoming problematic and conflicting withthe required values. For example, if a floor joist and wall panelmembers is shortened and thus moving the position of an aperture, theaperture position may be adjusted to accommodate the shortening of thefloor joist and wall panel member.

In step 412, the conflict identification program 108 analyzes the floorjoist and wall panel members relative to the assembled floor joist andwall panel. The conflict identification program 108 analyzes the floorjoist and wall panel members internal interaction within each assembly.This may include members are overlapping, incorrect placement offastening positions, incorrect member direction or orientation atconnections, incorrect gaps or spacing between panels uneven height orwidth, are a few examples of potential internal conflicts.

In decision 414, the conflict identification program 108 determines ifany of the members have external conflicts. The conflicts are based onthe interaction between members of the floor joist and wall panel. Basedon the known requirements for the ideal interaction and a calculatedvalue for the actual interaction between the members the conflictidentification program 108 is able to determine if a conflict exists. Ifa conflict does exist, the conflict identification program 108 creates asick list of the external conflicts. If a conflict does not exist, theconflict identification program 108 completes the analysis.

In step 416, the conflict identification program 108 analyzes the floorjoist and wall panel assemblies relative to the other floor joist andwall panel assemblies which the floor joist and wall panel interactswith. This can be, that the assembly is of improper measurements,material, positioning, features, insufficient gap between floor joistand the wall panel, bearing area, or the like. The conflictidentification program 108 program analyzes the interface between thefloor joist and the wall panel to make sure that the proper gap betweenthe two is correct, that the position of the floor joist on the wallpanel is correct, and the fastening location (e.g. bearing area) of thefloor joist and the wall panel line up, and the like. The conflictidentification program 108 performs a calculation related to allinterfacing floor joists and wall panels to calculate actual valuesrelated to all the properties of the floor joists and wall panels whichare part of the interfacing to compare the actual value with a requiredvalue.

One analyzed interface is the top or bottom surface of the floor joistand the respective top or bottom surface of the wall panel and if therequired gap between the two is present. Another analyzed interface isthe fastening locations or bearing area and the overlapping or alignmentof the floor joist and the wall panels. Another analyzed interface isthe overlap of the floor joist and the wall panel models. Anotheranalyzed interface is the positioning of the floor joists on the wallpanel, wherein the distance between the floor joists, the positioning ofthe floor joists relative to the vertical members of the wall panel areanalyzed. Another analyzed interface is the bearing area of the floorjoist over the wall panel based on the number of fasteners which areused for the connection of the two assemblies. Each of these analyzedinterfaces and others are based on the positioning and/or coordinates ofthe models is calculated for an actual value

In decision 418, the conflict identification program 108 determines ifany of the floor joist and the interfacing wall panels have conflicts bycalculating the delta between the actual values and a set of requiredvalues. The conflicts are based on the interaction between the trussmembers of the interfacing wall panel. Based on the known requirementsfor the ideal interaction and a calculated value for the actualinteraction between the members the conflict identification program 108is able to determine if a conflict exists. The required minimumtolerance of each floor joist and wall panel interface is determined asper the standard construction tolerances. The actual tolerance of eachcold formed steel panel is determined from the model. If the requiredminimum tolerance and actual tolerance are same, then there is noconflict and if the required tolerance and actual tolerance are notsame, then there is conflict. If a conflict does exist, the conflictidentification program 108 creates a sick list of the externalconflicts. If a conflict does not exist, the conflict identificationprogram 108 completes the analysis.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 depict various architectural illustration of astructure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.The conflict identification program 108 may be provided these types ofillustrations and analyses them to determine which features of thestructure are the floor joists and wall panels. This determination isbased on the position of the elements, the identified shape of theelements, the members (and orientation of the members) of the elements,and the like which would distinguish the floor joists from the otherelements of the building. In FIG. 5, the floor 502 is indicated. In FIG.6, the floor thickness 602 is indicated through the solid and dashedlines. In FIG. 7 the wall panels 702 are shown situated on the floorThrough the analysis of the building design, the conflict identificationprogram 108 is able to establish a set of limits and requirements whichthe floor joists and the floor joist members must adhere to. Theseillustrations depicted the floor plans to show walls, doors, stairs,windows, rooms, and other architectural features of each floor of thebuilding. Based on the conflict identification program's 108 review ofthese drawings, the program is able to detect the overall dimensions ofthe floor joists to assist in setting forth the required values andproperties to which the floor joist members are analyzed.

FIG. 8 depicts a model 800 of a frame of a structure, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. This model provides all of theframing members including the walls, floors, and roofs. The conflictidentification program 108 is able to take either the illustrations ormodel(s) and perform the analysis identified in FIG. 4, as the programis able to detect which elements are the floor joists (and members). Inthe depicted embodiment, the model depicts the structural framingmembers, with all the connection points for the frame membersdetermined. This model would be analyzed for each structural wall memberto determine any conflicts. If a conflict is found, that member may behighlighted or identified in a different color to allow easy visualidentifies for the user to locate the conflict member.

FIG. 9 depicts a model 900 of a floor joist and wall assembly, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The model showsa corner interaction between a series of wall panels 901 and a set offloor joists 902. The floor joists 901 are sandwiched between two setsof wall panels 902 indicating that this would be the a second floor orabove.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view illustration 1000 of a floor joist and awall panel interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the present embodiment, the floor joists 901 align withthe vertical members 903 of the wall panels 902. This assists withevenly distributing the building weight over the floor joists 901. Inthe depicted embodiment, the floor joists 901 and the exterior of thewall are substantially aligned, to create a flat exterior surface. Inthe depicted embodiment, the number of the floor joists 901 equals thatof the vertical members 903 of the wall panels 901.

FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view illustration 1100 of a floor joist anda wall panel interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the depicted embodiment, the floor joists 1102 and thewall panels 1101 and 1103 line up in a substantially parallel line witha substantially aligned exterior edge. The conflict identificationprogram 108, analyzes the interface of the gaps between the assemblies,the exterior edge alignment and the edge alignment.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view illustration 1200 of a floor joist and awall panel interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the present embodiment, the floor joist 1202 is sandwichedbetween two wall panels 1204 and the side of the wall panels and the endof the floor joist are substantially aligned. This interface is analyzedby the conflict identification program 108 to determine if the alignmentis within the tolerance.

FIGS. 13 and 14 depicts top views 1300 and 1400 of a floor joist and awall panel interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the present embodiments two examples of the bearing areaare shown, where the floor joist 1302 and the wall panel 1304 completelyoverlap and form bearing area 1303. In FIG. 14, two floor joists 1402overlap the wall panel 1404 and form bearing area 1403 which issubstantially half of the thickness of the wall panel 1404. The conflictidentification program 108 analyzes the bearing area 1403 and the numberof fasteners to determine if the area is within the tolerance of therequired space and may adjust the thickness of the wall panel 1404 ifnecessary.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, fire joists, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Present invention: should not be taken as an absolute indication thatthe subject matter described by the term “present invention” is coveredby either the claims as they are filed, or by the claims that mayeventually issue after patent prosecution; while the term “presentinvention” is used to help the reader to get a general feel for whichdisclosures herein that are believed as maybe being new, thisunderstanding, as indicated by use of the term “present invention,” istentative and provisional and subject to change over the course ofpatent prosecution as relevant information is developed and as theclaims are potentially amended.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presentedonly for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the formsdisclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings will be apparentto practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosureis not intended to limit the present invention. In the specification andclaims the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaningsimilar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply theinclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps butnot the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers orsteps. This definition also applies to variations on the term“comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled inthe art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subjectmatter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references(e.g. attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and mayinclude intermediate members between a connection of elements andrelative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do notnecessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixedrelation to each other. Moreover, network connection references are tobe construed broadly and may include intermediate members or devicesbetween network connections of elements. As such, network connectionreferences do not necessarily infer that two elements are in directcommunication with each other. In some instances, in methodologiesdirectly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operationsare described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled inthe art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged,replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter containedin the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail orstructure may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to theembodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications,variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether knownor that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to thosehaving at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a methodin a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order ofthe steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the inventionset forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Personsskilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form anddetail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlierdeveloped alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/orsubstantial equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer implemented method comprising:accessing, by at least one processor, a model of a building; selecting,by at least one processor, a set of floor joists, wherein the floorjoists are comprised of a first set of members; isolating, by at leastone processor, plurality of wall panels, wherein the wall panels arecomprised of a second set of members; selecting, by at least oneprocessor, a group of interfacing members between a floor joist and awall panel; detecting, by at least one processor, an interface typebetween the floor joist and the wall panel, wherein each interface has apredetermined set of requirements; calculating, by at least oneprocessor, a set of actual values associated with the interface type;comparing, by at least one processor, the set of actual values with aset of required values and determining the delta of the actual valuesand the required values; and identifying, by at least one processor,each interface where the delta is outside a predetermined range.
 2. Thecomputer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the interface type is abearing area, of the wall panel and the floor joist.
 3. The computerimplemented method of claim 1, wherein the interface type is theposition of a wall panel interfacing surface relative to a floor joist.4. The computer implemented method of claim 1, wherein the interfacetype is a gap between a wall panel interfacing surface and a floor joistinterfacing surface.
 5. The computer implemented method of claim 2,wherein the bearing area is calculated based on a quantity of fastenersused to secure the wall panel to the floor joist.
 6. The computerimplemented method of claim 1, further comprising, identifying, by atleast one processor, at least one solution to the delta, and wherein theat least one solution identifies all additional alterations which aregenerated by the solution to the model.
 7. The computer implementedmethod of claim 1, further comprising, detecting, by at least oneprocessor, at least one solution based on the restriction of apredetermined member of the conflicting wall panel and floor joist. 8.The computer implemented method of claim 1, further comprising,adjusting, by at least one processor, a plurality of members, whereinthe conflict is corrected.
 9. A computer program product comprising: acomputer readable storage device readable by one or more processingcircuit and storing instructions for execution by one or more processorfor performing a method comprising: accessing a model of a building;selecting a set of floor joists, wherein the floor joists are comprisedof a first set of members; isolating plurality of wall panels, whereinthe wall panels are comprised of a second set of members; selecting agroup of interfacing members between a floor joist and a wall panel;detecting an interface type between the floor joist and the wall panel,wherein each interface has a predetermined set of requirements;calculating a set of actual values associated with the interface type;comparing the set of actual values with a set of required values anddetermining the delta of the actual values and the required values; andidentifying each interface where the delta is outside a predeterminedrange.
 10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein theinterface type is a bearing area, of the wall panel and the floor joist.11. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the interface typeis the position of a wall panel interfacing surface relative to a floorjoist.
 12. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein theinterface type is a gap between a wall panel interfacing surface and afloor joist interfacing surface.
 13. The computer program product ofclaim 10, wherein the bearing area is calculated based on a quantity offasteners used to secure the wall panel to the floor joist.
 14. Thecomputer program product of claim 9, further comprising, identifying atleast one solution to the delta, and wherein the at least one solutionidentifies all additional alterations which are generated by thesolution to the model.
 15. The computer program product of claim 9,further comprising, detecting at least one solution based on therestriction of a predetermined member of the conflicting wall panel andfloor joist.
 16. The computer program product of claim 9, furthercomprising, adjusting a plurality of members, wherein the conflict iscorrected.
 17. A system comprising: a memory; one or more processors incommunication with the memory; program instructions executable by theone or more processors via the memory to perform a method, the methodcomprising: a computer readable storage device readable by one or moreprocessing circuit and storing instructions for execution by one or moreprocessor for performing a method comprising: accessing a model of abuilding; selecting a set of floor joists, wherein the floor joists arecomprised of a first set of members; isolating plurality of wall panels,wherein the wall panels are comprised of a second set of members;selecting a group of interfacing members between a floor joist and awall panel; detecting an interface type between the floor joist and thewall panel, wherein each interface has a predetermined set ofrequirements; calculating a set of actual values associated with theinterface type; comparing the set of actual values with a set ofrequired values and determining the delta of the actual values and therequired values; and identifying each interface where the delta isoutside a predetermined range.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein theinterface type is a bearing area, of the wall panel and the floor joist.19. The system of claim 17, wherein the interface type is the positionof a wall panel interfacing surface relative to a floor joist.
 20. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the interface type is a gap between a wallpanel interfacing surface and a floor joist interfacing surface.